If you included exercise in your New Years resolutions, you may be conflicted as to how to begin and what will really promote weight loss. Educational resources at Mayo Clinic remind us that while it is good to include 20 to 30 minutes of cardio training in your workout routine, strength training is equally important. Strength training builds muscle and enhances your cardio routine. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn. Another healthy reminder is to take it slow when it comes to weight training. Again, starting slow and adding weight will help build muscle and burn calories.